# XIII explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Anton Chekhov.

## What happens

Laevsky receives two anonymous notes hinting that he won't leave on Saturday, triggering a hysterical breakdown in front of Samoylenko, Von Koren, and others. After recovering, he tries to pass it off as a pain in his side, but no one believes him. Nadyezhda Fyodorovna, terrified of Kirilin, clings to Marya Konstantinovna and avoids going home, while the group walks along the boulevard and beach, listening to Von Koren explain phosphorescence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Decay and Self-Deception

Laevsky's attempt to pass off his hysterics as a physical pain reveals his self-deception and refusal to confront his inner turmoil.

### Isolation and Ennui

Laevsky's breakdown and Nadyezhda's fearful clinging to others highlight their profound emotional isolation despite being surrounded by people.

## Character check-ins

### Ivan Andreitch Laevsky

Receives two anonymous notes, suffers a hysterical attack, and later tries to conceal his shame by claiming a pain in his side.

### Nadyezhda Fyodorovna

Fears Kirilin has written to Laevsky; feels weak and terrified, stays close to Marya Konstantinovna to avoid Kirilin and Atchmianov.

### Samoylenko

Attends to Laevsky during his hysterics, reassuring him that it happens.

### Von Koren

Observes Laevsky's breakdown with cold irony and disgust; later explains phosphorescence on the beach.

### Marya Konstantinovna

Tries to comfort Nadyezhda Fyodorovna and insists she stay for supper.

### Kirilin

Walks behind Nadyezhda Fyodorovna on the boulevard, humming a threatening tune.

## Key lines

> Don't go away, my darling.

Someone anonymously begs Laevsky not to leave.

_The first note Laevsky receives, which he suspects might be from Von Koren or Samoylenko._

> Somebody won't go away on Saturday.

A second anonymous note taunts Laevsky that his planned departure will fail.

_This note triggers Laevsky's hysterical laughter and breakdown._

> I was sitting here, and all of a sudden, do you know, I felt a terrible piercing pain in my side... unendurable, my nerves could not stand it, and... and it led to this silly performance.

Laevsky lies to the group, claiming a sudden sharp pain caused his hysterics.

_He tries to save face after his breakdown, but no one believes him except Nadyezhda._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_se/chapters